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NBA denies Raptors protest over November loss to Kings

NBA denies Raptors protest over November loss to Kings

NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association announced today that it has denied the Toronto Raptors’ protest of their 102-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 20, 2016.

The Raptors’ protest asserted that the game officials incorrectly called for an instant replay review of whether the Raptors’ Terrence Ross released a three-point shot prior to the expiration of actual time remaining in the game. The Replay Center official reviewed video of the play using a digital timer and determined that the actual time remaining in the game expired before Ross released his shot, and the shot therefore did not count.

The league found that calling for an instant replay review in this case was consistent with the playing rules because the game officials determined that there was a clock malfunction on the play.

NBA Gameday: Kings aim to split season series with Knicks

NBA Gameday: Kings aim to split season series with Knicks

After a long five-game road trip, the Kings return to Golden 1 Center Friday night to take on Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. Sacramento is fresh off a win over the Mavericks and looking to make it two in a row.

Following the Knicks game, the road weary Kings fly to Utah to face the Jazz on the second night of a back-to-back. Sacramento is 4-4 over its last eight games and trying to claw back towards the .500 mark on the season.

The Knicks were thoroughly embarrassed on their home floor by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, falling by a final of 126-94. Anthony scored just eight points in 24 minutes of action as New York saw their four game win streak fall by the wayside.

OPENING LINE

Kings by 4.5

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Darren Collison vs. Brandon Jennings -- Collison is quietly getting his game going after missing the first eight games of the season. After his 19-point performance against Dallas on Wednesday, the 29-year-old point guard is averaging 15 points and four assists over his last three games heading into Friday night. With Derrick Rose expected to miss Friday night’s game, Jennings is likely the starter at the point for New York. He dropped 19 points against Sacramento on Sunday, hitting 5-of-7 from the field in a reserve role.

WHERE THEY STAND

Kings: 8-13, fourth place in Pacific

Knicks: 12-10, third place in Atlantic

INJURY REPORT

Kings: No injuries to report.

Knicks: PG Derrick Rose (knee) unlikely to play.

SERIES HISTORY

After losing in New York on Sunday afternoon, Sacramento trails the season series 1-0 to the Knicks. The Kings hold a 153-143 advantage over the Knicks all-time, but New York leads 34-29 during the Sacramento-era.